Iayemos

The War of the Petty Kingdoms is over. Most human nations in the north are now joined as a loose confederacy known only as The Empire. While a fragile peace has been achieved, the wounds of war are slow to heal. Marauding brigands are left unchecked to wreak havoc across the countryside while corrupt nobles do little to curb the tide. Halflings, now loyal members of the Empire, have a vice like grip on the criminal underworld with their seedy influence rumored to stretch as far south as the Dragon Empire.   However, with most overt internal threats dealt with, other outside threats still linger. Orc Warbands to the north have begun daring sea raids on northern settlements of the Empire, taking gold and slaves and leaving devastation in their wake. To the south lie the Eldenwoods, a thick, primeval realm rumored to be as old as the world itself and home to the Wood Gnomes. Rumor has it that the forest even converges with the primal fey realm itself in some corners. While the Eldenwood is home to some of the best timber in the known world, recent incursions have angered nature itself.   Dwarven Holds in the north and south have a monopoly on safe passage through the mountains but are willing to deal with just about anyone. The Elves remain sequestered on their home island off the coast, with the only ones coming to human lands being the younger Elves who haven't succumbed to the ennui of long Elven life. Iron Gnomes are also a common sight within the Empire, usually seen selling their magical skills to the highest bidder or attempted to sell off some new technological marvel.